Shams: Bucks' Giannis Could Miss 2-4 Weeks with Calf Injury in 2024 NBA Playoffs
April 19, 2024
Already expected to miss at least the start of the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Giannis Antetokounmpo could be facing a lengthy absence due to his strained calf.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium (starts at 35:30 mark), Antetokounmpo could miss two to four weeks because of his injury.
"He is doubtful to start this series," Charania said. "I'm told this injury could be anywhere from two to four weeks, potentially. And we know his superhuman ability. But that clearly puts his status for this series in jeopardy."
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this week the Bucks were preparing to be without the two-time NBA MVP for the start of their series against the Pacers.
Antetokounmpo suffered the injury late in the third quarter of Milwaukee's 104-91 victory over the Boston Celtics on April 9. He sat out the final three games of the regular season.
The Bucks are reeling ahead of the postseason. Damian Lillard didn't practice Tuesday due to groin and adductor injuries. He did do some on-court work Wednesday but wasn't a full practice participant.
Head coach Doc Rivers has expressed optimism that Lillard will be able to increase his workload in the final practice Friday before the series begins.
If the Bucks-Pacers series turns into a long one, Antetokounmpo would have a chance to return before it ends if his recovery goes quickly. Games 6 and 7, if necessary, would be played on May 2 and 4.
In an ideal scenario for the Bucks, they would win the series quickly and give their two superstars more time to rest before beginning the second round.
Antetokounmpo finished second in the NBA in scoring average with 30.4 points and sixth with 10.5 rebounds per game. He's the first player in league history to average at least 30 points per game and shoot at least 60 percent from the field.
The Bucks lost their final two games of the regular season to fall to the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. They have a 17-19 record since Rivers took over as head coach on Jan. 29.
Milwaukee will host Indiana in Game 1 on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.